--- title: "Night Guard vs Mouth Guard: What Is the Difference?" description: "A night guard protects teeth from grinding during sleep. A sports mouth guard cushions blows. See how the two differ and how to choose the right one." url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/night-guard-vs-mouth-guard-what-is-the-difference publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- # Night Guard vs Mouth Guard: What Is the Difference? A night guard is a mouth guard made to protect teeth from grinding and clenching during sleep. A sports mouth guard is made to cushion blows to the face. They differ in purpose and in design, so one cannot stand in for the other. Your dentist can tell you which one you need. PreventionPublished October 26, 20265 min read ## What is the difference between a night guard and a mouth guard? A night guard is a type of mouth guard made for sleep, to protect teeth from grinding and clenching. A sports mouth guard is a different type, made to cushion blows. Cleveland Clinic says mouth guards have many purposes, from teeth grinding to sleep apnea to sports-related injury. So the real question is what you need it for. The American Dental Association (ADA) says night guards are not the same as sports guards. Each is designed for a different job. Type What it is for Key point [Night guard](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/night-guard) Protects teeth from grinding or clenching, often worn in sleep Cleveland Clinic says most people grind during sleep, so these are usually worn at night [Sports guard](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/sports-guard) Cushions blows to the face during sports The ADA says it has extra cushioning that probably will not feel comfortable for sleep Snoring or sleep apnea guard Helps with chronic snoring or obstructive sleep apnea Cleveland Clinic says a custom guard may help ## What does a night guard do? It puts a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. The ADA says your dentist may recommend a night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep. Cleveland Clinic says guards for grinding help protect your teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching, and may also reduce the effects of TMJ disorders. Grinding is called [bruxism](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bruxism-teeth-grinding). The ADA says most people are not aware that they clench or grind their teeth. Dentists and hygienists are often the first to notice, from chipped or cracked teeth or worn spots along tooth edges. Jaw pain, dull headaches and neck pain can also be clues. ## What does a sports mouth guard do? It cushions the face during a hit or fall. The ADA says mouthguards, also called mouth protectors, help cushion a blow to the face, and they minimize the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. They are made for impact. Because of that cushioning, the ADA says a sports mouth guard probably will not feel comfortable for sleep. Using the wrong type may mean you do not get the protection you need. Read our post on [boil-and-bite mouth guards](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/are-boil-and-bite-mouth-guards-safe) for the sports side. ## Is a store-bought guard as good as a custom one? Not usually. Cleveland Clinic says store-bought guards are cheaper but not as effective as custom-made mouth guards for protection against grinding or sports-related injuries. The ADA says night guards sold online and in stores may not provide the same protection as one made for you. A custom guard is made from impressions of your teeth. The ADA says a custom guard gives the closest, most comfortable fit. Cleveland Clinic says a custom-made guard can last several years with proper care, while store-bought ones are less durable. Ask your dentist what fits your situation and budget. The office does not publish fees and gives each patient an estimate. ## Who might need a night guard? You might if you grind or clench. Cleveland Clinic lists grinding or clenching as a reason a dentist may recommend a mouth guard. The ADA says grinding is usually thought of as a symptom of stress, but it can also be caused by sleep disorders or teeth that do not line up properly. Signs to mention to your dentist include: - Jaw pain or tenderness - Dull headaches - Neck pain - Chipped, cracked or worn teeth You do not have to diagnose yourself. A dentist can look at your teeth and bite, and talk with you about your symptoms. ## What happens when I get a custom guard? The process is simple. Cleveland Clinic says that if you need a custom mouth guard, a dentist will take dental impressions. The impressions go to a dental lab, where a technician makes a guard that fits your teeth. Cleveland Clinic says that in some cases this process can take up to two weeks. At the fitting, your dentist checks the guard and makes any adjustments. Cleveland Clinic says that if you need one to treat grinding, snoring or sleep apnea, you will likely wear it every night while you sleep. Ask your dentist how often to wear yours and when to come back for a check. ## Can a night guard fix the cause of grinding? A guard protects teeth, but it does not by itself remove the cause. The ADA says paired with a night guard, healthy stress management can help protect your teeth and mouth. It lists meditation, counseling, exercise, massage and deep-breathing exercises as approaches shown to be effective. It also says that if you struggle to get enough rest at night, a sleep study can measure what is happening while you sleep. That is why a talk with your dentist matters more than the guard alone. Your dentist can look at your teeth, your bite and your symptoms, and suggest whether to see your doctor too. ## How do I care for a guard? Clean it as your dentist advises and keep it in a case. Bring it to checkups. Cleveland Clinic advises bringing your mouth guard to dental checkups so your dentist can inspect it for cracks or other signs of wear. Cleveland Clinic also says to store your mouth guard out of reach of dogs and other pets. ## What does Town Center Dental offer? The practice lists [night guards](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/night-guards), [sports guards](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/sports-guard) and [custom mouth guards](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/custom-mouth-guard) as separate service pages, each with the practice’s own description. Our guide on [teeth grinding and TMJ](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/teeth-grinding-and-tmj) goes into more detail. ## What should I ask my dentist about a night guard? Bring a short list to your visit: - Do my teeth show signs of grinding, such as chips, cracks or worn spots? - Should the guard cover my upper teeth or my lower teeth? - How often and how long should I wear it? - How should I clean and store it? - When should I come back so you can check the fit and look for wear? - If I also play sports, do I need a separate sports guard? A dentist can answer these for your own mouth. The answers differ from person to person, so ask rather than guess. ## Next step If you wake with a sore jaw or notice worn teeth, ask about a night guard. Read about [night guards](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/night-guards) at Town Center Dental, then call (636) 273-5866 or [request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is a night guard the same as a mouth guard? A night guard is one kind of mouth guard. Cleveland Clinic says mouth guards have many purposes, from teeth grinding to sports injury. The American Dental Association says night guards are not the same as sports guards, which are built for impact. ### Can I use a sports mouth guard for sleep? It is not a good match. The American Dental Association says a mouth guard made for sports has extra cushioning that probably will not feel comfortable for sleep. A guard made for grinding is built differently. Ask your dentist. ### How do I know if I grind my teeth? Many people do not. The American Dental Association says dentists and hygienists are often first to notice signs such as chipped or cracked teeth, or worn spots on tooth edges. Jaw pain, dull headaches and neck pain can also be clues. ### How long does a night guard last? Cleveland Clinic says a custom-made mouth guard can last several years with proper care, depending on how often you wear it. Store-bought guards are less durable. Bring yours to checkups so your dentist can look for wear. ## Terms on this page - [Bruxism (teeth grinding)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bruxism-teeth-grinding) - [Obstructive sleep apnea](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/obstructive-sleep-apnea) - [Sports guard](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/sports-guard) - [Mouth guard](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/mouth-guard) - [Night guard](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/night-guard) ## Sources 1. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Teeth Grinding](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teeth-grinding) 2. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Teeth Grinding](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teeth-grinding) 3. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Teeth Grinding](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teeth-grinding) 4. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Teeth Grinding](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teeth-grinding) 5. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Teeth Grinding](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teeth-grinding) 6. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Teeth Grinding](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teeth-grinding) 7. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Teeth Grinding](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teeth-grinding) 8. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Teeth Grinding](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teeth-grinding) 9. [Cleveland Clinic: Mouth Guards](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards) 10. [Cleveland Clinic: Mouth Guards](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards) 11. [Cleveland Clinic: Mouth Guards](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards) 12. [Cleveland Clinic: Mouth Guards](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards) 13. [Cleveland Clinic: Mouth Guards](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards) 14. [Cleveland Clinic: Mouth Guards](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards) 15. [Cleveland Clinic: Mouth Guards](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards) 16. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Mouthguards](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/mouthguards) 17. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Teeth Grinding](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teeth-grinding) 18. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Teeth Grinding](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teeth-grinding) 19. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Teeth Grinding](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teeth-grinding) 20. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Teeth Grinding](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teeth-grinding) 21. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Teeth Grinding](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teeth-grinding) 22. [Cleveland Clinic: Mouth Guards](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards) 23. [Cleveland Clinic: Mouth Guards](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards) 24. [Cleveland Clinic: Mouth Guards](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards) 25. [Cleveland Clinic: Mouth Guards](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards) 26. [Cleveland Clinic: Mouth Guards](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards) 27. [Cleveland Clinic: Mouth Guards](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards) 28. [Cleveland Clinic: Mouth Guards](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards) Written by Town Center Dental and checked against the sources above on October 26, 2026. Dental guidance changes, so check the linked page, and ask your dentist about your own care. ## Keep reading - [Teeth Grinding and TMJ: Do I Grind My Teeth, and What Helps?Bruxism means clenching or grinding your teeth, often in your sleep. Signs include worn or chipped teeth, sore jaw muscles and morning headaches. TMJ disorders are a separate group of jaw joint and muscle problems. A night guard may protect teeth from grinding. Your dentist can check your teeth and jaw and talk with you about options.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/teeth-grinding-and-tmj) - [Are Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards Safe? What to KnowA boil-and-bite mouth guard is a reasonable choice for sports when you fit it by the directions. The American Dental Association says it is better than no guard and may fit better than a stock one. A custom guard fits more closely. Store-bought guards are not suited to treat grinding or sleep apnea.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/are-boil-and-bite-mouth-guards-safe) - [Sports Mouth Guards: Custom, Boil-and-Bite or Stock?A properly fitted mouth guard cushions a blow to the face and lowers the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue and jaw. The ADA says a custom guard made by a dentist is the most protective type, but a guard that is worn every time matters most.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/sports-mouthguards-guide) - [Full Mouth Reconstruction: Who Needs It, How It Is Planned, and What the Phases AreFull mouth reconstruction is a staged plan that rebuilds or restores many or all teeth so the mouth works better as a whole. Dentists consider it for severe wear, broken or missing teeth, gum damage, or a bite that does not fit. It starts with a full exam, treats disease first, and then restores the teeth in phases.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/full-mouth-reconstruction-guide) - [High School Football and Mouth Protectors: The NFHS RuleNFHS rules require tooth and mouth protectors in high school football. Starting in 2026, they may not include attachments that serve no purpose in protecting the teeth or mouth, or anything that poses a health risk. Ask your dentist to review your player's mouth guard before the season.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/high-school-football-and-mouth-protectors-the-nfhs-rule) - [Cavities explained: causes, decay without pain and treatmentYes, you can have a cavity without pain. NIDCR says early tooth decay usually has no symptoms, so dentists find it at checkups and on X-rays. Very early enamel damage can sometimes be stopped with fluoride. Once a hole forms, the usual treatment is a filling.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/cavities-explained) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)